A smoking article, a smoking article filter section and a method of manufacturing a smoking article

ABSTRACT

A smoking article and a method of manufacturing a smoking article A smoking article has a filter section for receiving smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, a variable ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter section and a flavour source configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosol downstream of said ventilation arrangement.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to a smoking article, a filtersection for a smoking article and a method of manufacturing a smokingarticle.

BACKGROUND

Cigarettes can include a filter section for filtering mainstream smoke.It is known to provide cigarettes with a flavour source, such as aflavour capsule, within the filter section, to add additional flavour tothe smoke generated by the cigarette.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention provide, in a first aspect, a smokingarticle comprising a filter section for receiving smoke and/or otheraerosol generated by said smoking article, a variable ventilationarrangement configured to provide a user controllable level ofventilation into the filter section and a flavour source configured torelease flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by saidsmoking article at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosoldownstream of said ventilation arrangement.

The flavour source can be configured to selectively release flavour tosaid smoke and/or other aerosol. The flavour source can comprise one ormore capsules. The one or more capsules can each have a diameter of from2 mm to 6 mm.

The flavour source can comprise at least one selected from plantmaterial, a thread loaded with flavourant, flavourant dispersed infilter tow, flavour impregnated particles and a sheet materialcomprising a flavourant. The flavour source can be located within saidfilter section.

The smoking article can further comprise a further ventilationarrangement configured to provide a level of ventilation into the filtersection which is not user controllable.

The level of ventilation provided by the further variable ventilationarrangement can be within the range of from 5% to 50% of the volume ofsmoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article passingthrough the filter section when said variable ventilation is at itsminimum level.

The variable ventilation arrangement can provide ventilation which isuser controllable within a sub-range within the range of from 0% to 90%of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smokingarticle passing through the filter section.

The filter section can form at least a component of a first part of thesmoking article and the smoking article can further comprise a secondpart movable relative to the first part in order to control the level ofventilation provided by the variable ventilation arrangement. The firstor second part can comprise a sleeve configured to move relative to theother of the first or second part to control the level of ventilationprovided by the variable ventilation arrangement. The sleeve can berotatable with respect to the filter section, and the level ofventilation is varied by altering an angular position of the sleeverelative to the filter section.

The filter section can comprise a first filter section having a lengthof 5 to 25 mm, and/or the smoking article can further comprise a secondfilter section having a length of 5 to 25 mm, and/or the variableventilation arrangement can provide ventilating air at a positionbetween 6 and 20 mm from a mouth end of the smoking article.

The filter section can comprise a first filter section and the smokingarticle can further comprise a second filter section, the second filtersection being located downstream of the first filter section, andwherein a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the secondfilter section is lower than a resistance to gaseous flow through thelength of the first filter section and the resistance to gaseous flowthrough the length of the filter arrangement remains substantiallyconstant as the level of ventilation is varied.

The first and second filter sections can comprise tow filaments, and thefirst filter section can differ from the second filter section by one ormore of: tow weight, number of tow filaments in unit volume,cross-section of tow filaments and degree of crimping.

The second filter section can comprise at least one air passageextending longitudinally through the length thereof. The second filtersection can comprise fibrous filtration material formed having anannular cross section.

The second filter section can comprise a tube of fibrous filtrationmaterial and the air passage extends along a central longitudinal axisthrough the length of the second filter section.

The smoking article can comprise a cigarette.

The flavour source can comprise a flavour additive release componentconfigured to release a plurality of discrete deliveries of flavouradditive.

The flavour additive release component can comprise an open cellstructure which comprises the flavour additive and is at least partiallysurrounded by an additive-impermeable layer.

The smoking article can further comprise an encapsulating structurewhich at least partially surrounds the open cell structure andadditive-impermeable layer.

The flavour source can be provided in a filter unit which is providedseparately from the smoking article and is attachable to the smokingarticle by a user.

The smoking article can further comprise a sealing member configured torestrict the ingress of air into the smoking article between the filterunit and the smoking article.

The smoking article can comprise a recess and at least part of thefilter unit can be arranged to be received in the recess when the filterunit is attached to the smoking article. The recess can be formed by atubular filter element provided at the downstream end of the smokingarticle.

The filter section can comprise a further flavour source configured torelease flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by saidsmoking article at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosoldownstream or upstream of said ventilation arrangement.

The further flavour source can comprise one or more capsules.

Embodiments of the invention provide, in a second aspect, a filtersection for a smoking article for receiving smoke and/or other aerosolgenerated by said smoking article, the filter section comprising avariable ventilation arrangement configured to provide a usercontrollable level of ventilation into the filter section, and a flavoursource configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosolgenerated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke and/orother aerosol downstream of said ventilation arrangement.

The flavour source can comprise a flavour additive release componentconfigured to release a plurality of discrete deliveries of flavouradditive.

The flavour source can be provided in a filter unit which is providedseparately from remaining components of the filter section and isattachable to the filter section by a user.

Embodiments of the invention provide, in a third aspect, a method ofmanufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising forming a filtersection for receiving smoke and/or other aerosol generated by saidsmoking article, providing a variable ventilation arrangement configuredto provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filtersection and providing a flavour source configured to release flavour tosaid smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at alocation in said smoke and/or other aerosol downstream of saidventilation arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of a smokingarticle according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the smoking article illustrated in FIG.1;

FIG. 3a is a plan view of a blank for forming a wrapper for a smokingarticle according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 3b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the smoking articleaccording to the second embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the smoking article according to thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article according to a thirdembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram showing a method of manufacturing asmoking article;

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a smoking article according to a fourthembodiment having a separate filter unit; and

FIG. 7b is a perspective view of an alternative filter unit which can beused with the smoking article of the fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “smoking article” includes smokeable productssuch as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on tobacco,tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobaccosubstitutes and also heat-not-burn products and other nicotine deliverydevices capable of generating an aerosol for delivery to a consumer.Such smoking articles may be provided with a filter for the gaseous flowdrawn by the smoker.

Smoking articles such as cigarettes and their formats are often namedaccording to the cigarette length: “regular” (typically in the range68-75 mm, e.g. from about 68 mm to about 72 mm), “short” or “mini” (68mm or less), “king-size” (typically in the range 75-91 mm, e.g. fromabout 79 mm to about 88 mm), “long” or “super-king” (typically in therange 91-105 mm, e.g. from about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and “ultra-long”(typically in the range from about 110 mm to about 121 mm).

They are also named according to the cigarette circumference: “regular”(about 23-25 mm), “wide” (greater than 25 mm), “slim” (about 22-23 mm),“demi-slim” (about 19-22 mm), “super-slim” (about 16-19 mm), and“micro-slim” (less than about 16 mm). Accordingly, a cigarette in aking-size, super-slim format will, for example, have a length of about83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm. Cigarettes in the regular,king-size format are preferred by many customers, namely with acircumference of from 23 to 25 mm and an overall length of from 75 to 91mm.

Each format may be produced with filters of different lengths, smallerfilters being generally used in formats of smaller lengths andcircumferences. Typically the filter length will be from 15 mm,associated with short, regular formats, to 30 mm, associated withultra-long super-slim formats. The tipping paper will have a greaterlength than the filter, for example from 3 to 10 mm longer.

Smoking articles and filters described hereinafter can be manufacturedin any of the above formats. The smoking article can, for instance, befrom 70 to 100 mm in length and from 14 to 25 mm in circumference.

The terms ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ used herein are relative termsdefined in relation to the direction of mainstream smoke (or otheraerosol) drawn though a smoking article in use.

FIG. 1 illustrates a smoking article 10 according to a first embodiment.The smoking article 10 is a cigarette in the present example. However,other smoking articles can be used.

The smoking article 10 comprises a source of smokable material, such astobacco, attached to a filter arrangement which comprises a first filtersection 12 and a second filter section 14. The source of smokablematerial is in the form of a tobacco rod 11, which is attached to thefirst filter section 12. The second filter section 14 is locateddownstream of the first filter section 12 and tobacco rod 11. Aventilation arrangement 17 provides a user controllable variable levelof ventilation into the first filter section 12, as described in moredetail below.

The second filter section 14 comprises a flavour source configured torelease flavour to the smoke and/or other aerosol generated by thesmoking article 10 at a location downstream of the ventilationarrangement 17. In the present example, the flavour source comprisesplant flavour particles, although other flavour sources as describedherein can be used. Plant-based flavourants and plant flavour particlesare referred to respectively as botanicals and botanical particles, andwill be described in more detail below.

The smoking article 10 comprises a first part comprising the tobacco rod11 and the first filter section 12. The tobacco rod 11 and first filtersection 12 are connected with a covering layer to affix the first filtersection 12 to the tobacco rod 11, which is formed of tipping paper. Thetobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 are referred to as a tobaccounit. The elongate tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12 define alongitudinal axis of the smoking article.

A second part of the smoking article comprises the second filter section14 and a sleeve 13 which is movable relative to the first part of thesmoking article. The sleeve 13 is in the form of a tube extending aroundthe circumference of the tobacco rod 11 and/or first filter section 12.The tube can be cylindrical. The sleeve 13 is formed of paper in thepresent example, although other materials can be used. The first andsecond filter sections 12,14 each comprise filtration material which iswrapped in a sheet material, which may be paper, e.g. plugwrap. Thefirst and second filter sections 12, 14 form a filter arrangement. Thefirst filter section 12 is upstream of the second filter section 14. Thesecond filter section 14 is at a mouth end of the sleeve 13, adjacentto, and separate from, the first filter section 12.

The tobacco rod 11 and attached first filter section 12 are connected bytipping paper (not shown). The tipping paper is a standard tippingpaper, or a relatively thick recessed tipping paper, or a board typetipping paper.

The ventilation arrangement 17 is configured to allow adjustment of aventilation level of the smoking article 10. The ventilation arrangement17 comprises one or more first ventilation areas 15 on the sleeve 13. Inthe present example, the first ventilation areas 15 are at a locationcloser to the downstream end of the first filter section 12 than to theupstream end. The smoking article further comprises one or more secondventilation areas 16 around the first filter section 12. For example,the one or more second ventilation areas 16 are defined by a layer(s) ofsheet material around the first filter section 12 or around thefiltration material of the first filter section 12. The ventilationarrangement 17 provides for ventilating air to enter into the firstfilter section.

Ventilation areas 1546 are formed as ventilation apertures or airpermeable material. In some embodiments, when ventilation areas 15 onthe sleeve 13 are exposed, air can flow into the body of the smokingarticle 10. When first ventilation areas 15 on the sleeve 13 and thecorresponding second ventilation areas 16 around the second filtersection 12 are aligned, air can flow into the body of the smokingarticle 10. Ventilation areas 15,46 are aligned by rotation of the firstpart of the smoking article relative to the second part. In particular,the ventilation is controlled by rotation of the sleeve 13 relative tothe first filter section 12. The ventilation arrangement 17 provides aselectable variable level of ventilation controlled by adjusting theoverlap of the first ventilation area 15 with the second ventilationarea 16. The amount of ventilation depends on the effective ventilatingarea, which is determined by the area of the overlap of the first andsecond ventilation areas. The level of ventilation can be selected byselecting a position of the second part relative to the first part e.g.by rotation of the second part relative to the first part. Thus, theventilation arrangement 17 provides for a variable size of effectiveventilation area, providing a variable intake of air.

The first filter section 12 and second filter section 14 are made of aknown filtration material. The filtration material for both filtersections can be tow, for example, cellulose acetate tow. The filtrationmaterial of the first filter section is homogenous, and independently,the filtration material of the second filter section is homogenous. Theterm “homogenous” is used to mean that the filtration material issubstantially uniform throughout each filter section, and in particular,is uniform in a longitudinal and/or radial direction through each of thefirst and second filter sections 12,14. At least one physical propertyof the homogenous first filter section may be different to thehomogenous second filter section.

The first and second filter sections both comprise fibrous material,comprising tow filaments. The tow weight is a measure of the amount oftow fibres in a certain volume. The tow weight can provides anindication of the density of a fibrous material within the filtersection. The first and second filter sections are manufactured usingfiltration material formed or treated to have required properties, forexample, providing the different pressure drop per unit length for thefirst and second filter sections.

The second filter section 14 comprises botanical particles (not shown)embedded in the fibrous material. The second filter section 14 issimilar to a “Dalmatian” type filter, comprising fibrous filtrationmaterial through which botanical particles have been sprinkled beforethe fibrous material is folded and wrapped in a wrapping material. Thebotanical particles are comprised of dried and chopped plant materials,and may be formed from botanicals such as menthol, juniper, coffee,anise or any other botanical having suitable taste and aromacharacteristics. Any part of a chosen plant, for example the roots,leave, flowers, stems, or buds, can be used in the formation ofbotanical particles.

The plurality of botanical particles in the second filter section 14impart a taste and/or aroma to the smoke which passes through the secondfilter section 14. As the level of ventilation is varied the level ofdilution of the unflavoured smoke is changed. However, the amount offlavoured smoke which reaches the mouth end of the smoking articleremains more constant than the unflavoured smoke, resulting in anoverall smoking article 10 in which the intensity of smoke can becontrolled while providing a relatively stable level of additionalflavour. The added flavour is, however, altered as a proportion of theoverall taste which the smoker receives from the combination of smokeand added flavour, and therefore the smoking article 10 provides a newconsumer experience in this regard.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12are dimensioned to rotate as a unit around a longitudinal axis with thesecond filter section 14 positioned within the sleeve 13. A restrainingmeans (not shown) retains the first part and second part in a fixedlongitudinal arrangement, and prevents extension of the smoking article10. Thus, the first part cannot slide longitudinally relative to thesecond part, i.e. the sleeve is not movable longitudinally relative tothe second filter section 14.

The level of ventilation can be selected by selecting an angularposition of the sleeve 13 relative to the second filter section 14.

In some examples, the first ventilation areas 15 are configured toincrease in size non-linearly with respect to angular position. Thefirst and second ventilation areas 15, 16 are configured such that thelevel of ventilation has a substantially linear dependence on theangular position of the sleeve 13 relative to the second filter section14.

In some aspects, the one or more first and second ventilation areas 15,16 maintain a fixed longitudinal position relative to the first andsecond filter sections, when the sleeve 13 is rotated relative to thesecond filter section 14.

In the present embodiment, the second filter section 14 is securelyattached and fixed within the sleeve 13. Rotation of the second filtersection 14 relative the first filter section 12 therefore causesrotation of the first filter section 12 within the sleeve 13.

By selecting a different angular position of the second filter section14 relative to the first filter section 12, the registry between thefirst ventilation areas 15 in the sleeve 13 and the second ventilationareas 16 in the sheet material or plugwrap around the first filtersection 12 can be selectively increased or decreased. The level ofventilation in the smoking article 10 can therefore be increased ordecreased.

The second filter section 14 comprises botanical particles which liedownstream of the ventilation areas 15. The level of ventilation in thesmoking article 10 controls the dilution of smoke which passes throughthe first part of the smoking article 10 with air which enters thesmoking article 10 through the ventilation areas 15. Therefore, whilethe level of ventilation controls the dilution of smoke, it does notsubstantially influence the level of additional flavour in the smokingarticle which can therefore be maintained as relatively constant.

FIG. 3a is a plan view of a blank 30 forming a wrapper for a smokingarticle according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3b is longitudinalcross-sectional view of a smoking article 32 to which the blank 30 ofFIG. 3a has been applied. The smoking article 32 comprising the blank 30has substantially the same functions as described above. Features havethe same arrangement and function unless otherwise described.

Referring to FIG. 3b , the rod article 32 includes a tobacco rod 11,similar to that previously described, and first and second filtersections 12, 14 downstream of the is tobacco rod 11. The second filtersection 14 is provided in a first part 14′ at the mouth-end of thesmoking article 32 and a second part 14″ upstream of the first part 14′.Both the first and second parts 14′, 14″ are provided downstream of thefirst filter section 12 and tobacco rod 11, at the mouth end of thesmoking article. The first filter section 12 is provided between thesecond part 14″ of the second filter section 14 and the tobacco rod 11.The second part 14″ of the second filter section 14 comprises botanicalparticles 18, as described with respect to the first embodiment. Thefirst filter section 12 is divided into a first part 12′ and a secondpart 12″ by a cut 12″′, allowing the first part 12′ of the first filtersection 12 to move relative to the second part 12″.

The blank 30 is configured to wrap twice, and in the present exampletwice only, around the whole circumference of the rod article 32. Theblank 30 has a first section 30 a which first wraps around the rodarticle 32 forming an inner layer and a second section 30 b which thenwraps around the first section 30 a, forming an outer layer. The blank30 is therefore configured to define two complete layers extendingaround the circumference of the rod article 32, and comprises areas 30a, 30 b to define an inner layer and an outer layer.

The first section 30 a of the blank 30 comprises a first end portion 30a′ connected to the second filter section 14 and to the first part 12′of the first filter section 12, and therefore connecting the secondfilter section 14 and the first part 12′ of the first filter section 12together. The first section 30 a of the blank 30 also comprises a secondend portion 30 a″ connected to the second part 12″ of the first filtersection 12 and to the tobacco rod 11. The second section 30 b of theblank 30 is separated into a first part 30 b′ and a second part 30 b− bya cut 31.

The blank 30 comprises, on the first section 30 a, a control element 34movable in a circumferentially extending channel 36, configured tocontrol ventilation and limit movement.

The control element 34 is movable circumferentially within a limitedrange. The control element 34 is movable between a first engagingsurface and a second engaging surface. The first engaging surface andsecond engaging surface define the circumferentially extending channel36 in which the control element 34 is movable.

The control element 34 defines first and second limiting surfaces 34 a,34 b at the edges is of the control element in the direction ofmovement, i.e. at the circumferential edge of the control element 34.Contact of the first and second limiting surfaces 34 a, 34 b of thecontrol element 34 with the first engaging surface and the secondengaging surface of the circumferentially extending channel 36 limitsrelative rotation between the first and second parts of the smokingarticle.

The first and second limiting surfaces 34 a, 34 b extend at an angle toa longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The first and secondengaging surfaces also extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis ofthe smoking article, and/or at an angle to the axis of movement of thecontrol element. The first and second engaging surfaces extend at thesame angle and/or have a complementary shape to the first and secondlimiting surfaces 34 a, 34 b.

A longitudinal movement restricting arrangement 35 comprises a slidingelement 37 which is arranged to move between first and secondrestricting elements 38 a and 38 b. Sliding element 37 is attached tofirst and second restricting elements 38 a and 38 b with a frangibleconnection. The frangible connection is a circumferentially extendingline of perforations. The part of the blank including the slidingelement 37, control element 34, first and second restricting elements 38a and 38 b and circumferentially extending channel 36 extends one timearound the whole circumference of the smoking article, e.g. to form atube. The sliding element 37 is attached to first part 30 b′ of thesecond section Sob of the blank 30, together with the first part 30 a′of the first section 30 a of the blank, and therefore moves, togetherwith the first part 30 a′ of the first section 30 a, the second filtersection 14 and the first part 12′ of the first filter section 12,relative to the second part 30 a″ of the first section 30 a of the blank30 and the second part 12″ of the first filter section 12, and thetobacco rod 11.

The second section Sob of the blank 30 forming the outer layer,comprises a ventilation area 39′ at a location 39 on the blank. In someexamples, the ventilation area 39′ comprises a single aperture.Alternatively, the ventilation area 39′ comprises a plurality ofdiscrete permeable areas or apertures. For example, the apertures areformed by electroperforation (EP). The ventilation area 39′ is arrangedto align with the channel 36 when the blank 30 is wrapped around the rodarticle 32.

The control element 34 has a further function in controlling theventilation of the smoking article. In particular, the control element34 directly controls the ventilation of the smoking article byselectively blocking one or more ventilation areas. The control iselement 34 is configured to be movable relative to one or moreventilation areas in a radially adjacent, and integrally formed, part ofthe smoking article. The control element 34 is formed of a materialwhich is substantially impermeable to air, in particular, paper which isnot permeable to air. The control element 34 is configured to movebetween the ventilation area 39′ and the underlying rod article 32 ofthe smoking article, such that ventilation air cannot enter the smokingarticle through the channel 36 which is blocked by the control element34. The control element is impermeable to air between the first andsecond limiting surfaces 34 a, 34 b. The first and second limitingsurfaces 34 a, 34 b define both the limits of rotation and define theamount of ventilation area which is covered or uncovered.

Thus, the control element 34 has the dual function of both directlycontrolling a level of ventilation by covering a part of a ventilationarea and limiting relative movement of the first and second parts of thesmoking article between maximum and minimum levels of ventilation.

In some embodiments, the second part 14″ of the second filter section 14comprises flavourant in the form of botanical particles. However, thesecond filter section 14 can comprise other forms of flavourant, such asone or more capsules, a thread loaded with flavourant, flavourantdispersed in filter tow, flavour impregnated particles or a sheetmaterial comprising a flavourant, which lie upstream of the ventilationarea 39′ and can be included in the first and/or second parts 14′, 14″of the second filter section 14. The level of ventilation in the smokingarticle 10 controls the dilution of smoke which passes through the firstpart of the smoking article 10 with air which enters the smoking article10 through the ventilation area 39′. However, this does notsignificantly influence the level of additional flavour applied to thegaseous flow through the smoking article by the flavour source.Therefore level of flavour added to mainstream smoke can be keptrelatively constant as the dilution of smoke is varied.

In some aspects, the blank 30 comprises a further ventilation area (notshown) at a location 33 on the blank downstream of the variableventilation arrangement 39′. The further ventilation area comprises aplurality of discrete ventilation areas or apertures, for example, in acircumferentially extending line. The further ventilation area can beformed by a laser. Generally, one or more of the ventilation areascomprise a plurality of discrete ventilation areas or apertures. Thefurther ventilation area provides a constant minimum level ofventilation which is unaffected by the variable amount of ventilationfrom the ventilation area 39′. The amount of ventilation provided by thefurther ventilation area can be predetermined in the manufacture of thesmoking article 10 and is, for instance, between 5% to 50% of the volumeof smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article passingthrough the filter section when said variable ventilation is at itsminimum level. The variable ventilation arrangement 39′, 36 can bearranged to provide ventilation which is user controllable within asub-range within the range of from 0% to 90% of the volume of smokeand/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article passing throughthe filter section, for instance from 0% to 50% ventilation.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the smoking article 32 according to thesecond embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article 40 according to athird embodiment, which is the same as the smoking article 32 of thesecond embodiment, except that in the third embodiment, the secondfilter section 14 is provided as a single continuous filter component,rather than in first and second parts, and comprises a user activatedflavour release component in place of the botanical particles 18. Theflavourant release component is preferably in the form of a capsule 41which comprises an outer wall and an inner volume filled with fluidflavourant. The flavourant can be selectively released by the user ofthe smoking article 40 into the adjacent filtration material bysqueezing the outside of the filter to deform or rupture the outer wallof the capsule 41. In the present example, the capsule has a diameter of3.5 mm, although other sizes can be used, for instance diameters of 2.5,3, 4 or 4.5 mm, micro capsules or macro capsules with diameters in therange from 1 mm to 7 mm or larger.

The capsule 41 defines a cavity having a volume which is filled withflavourant. The outer wall or shell may be formed using gelatin,hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a polysaccharide, polysaccharidederivative or any other suitable material, using methods known in theart. The outer shell surrounds and encapsulates the flavourant. Thecapsule 41 is configured to release all of the flavourant contents whenthe outer wall is ruptured. The outer shell is frangible on compression,and is configured to break apart over substantially the whole surface ofthe outer shell, or alternatively rupture only in a predefined area whencompressed.

Alternatively, capsule 41 is configured to release only a part of theflavourant on inward pressure from a user, such that the flavourantcontents are released in a plurality of discrete deliveries. The outershell is resiliently deformable and may be configured to rupture in apredetermined area, or over a part of the surface area only, to form oneor more slits or apertures when compressed.

The outer shell may be formed from a single part, or a plurality ofparts sealed together. An outer shell formed from two parts may beconfigured to rupture at a weakened region, for example along alongitudinal or circumferential seam joining the two parts, which opensunder pressure to define a slit. The capsule 41 may only release a partof the contents through the slit when the capsule 41 is compressedbefore returning at least partially to its original shape, when thecompression of the capsule 41 ceases.

Additionally, the capsule 41 may comprise a substrate, which is a bodyof absorbent material impregnated with the flavourant. The substrate isa porous matrix with an open structure, in particular, an open cellstructure, e.g. an open cell foam structure. The substrate is configuredto be progressively compressible and configured to release at least apart, and preferably only a part, of the flavourant contents when partlycompressed. The flavourant is distributed within the substrate, andpreferably, absorbed by the substrate. The substrate is preferablyformed of a filtration material, for example, cellulose acetate. Thefiltration material may be in the form of a known tow of filtrationmaterial suitable as a filter. The outer shell does not inhibit releaseof the flavourant once ruptured. The substrate may be at least partiallyresiliently deformable and may at least partially return towards theoriginal shape, when the compression of the capsule 49 ceases. In thepartial expansion of the substrate following release of the compressiveforce, the substrate may re-absorb a part of the released flavourant.References to release of the flavourant are therefore intended to referto the net release of flavourant after the compressive force has ended.

The substrate may be formed by extrusion of the material containing theflavourant, which is then cut to a suitable length. A closed cell foamsubstrate may not require an outer shell to retain the flavourant, andso may form the capsule 41 without an outer shell. Alternatively, thecapsule 41 may comprise the closed cell foam substrate encapsulated inan outer shell.

The second filter section 14 comprises one or more capsules 41 which liedownstream of the ventilation areas 39, 36. The level of ventilation inthe smoking article 40 controls the dilution of smoke which passesthrough the first part of the smoking article with air which enters thesmoking article 40 through the variable ventilation area 39′. After theflavourant has been released from the one or more capsules bycompression of the first filter section, the level of flavour in thesmoking article is relatively unaffected by user changes in the level ofventilation provided into the smoking article, as compared to thedilution of the mainstream smoke.

In the embodiments described herein, a flavour source is provideddownstream of a variable ventilation arrangement. In addition, afurther, second flavour source can be provided upstream of the variableventilation arrangement. For instance, the first filter section 12 cancomprise one or more first flavour release components and the secondfilter section 14 can comprise one or more second flavour releasecomponents. The first and second flavour release components can each beany of the flavour sources described herein. The amount of flavourprovided by the flavour source which lies upstream of the variableventilation area 17, 39′ can be increased or decreased by varying thelevel of ventilation of the smoking article. The amount of flavourprovided by the flavour release component downstream of the variableventilation area 17, 39′ can be predetermined and is substantiallyunaffected by the level of ventilation of the smoking article. In thisway, a baseline amount of flavour can be provided by the first flavourrelease component as a minimum level. The total amount of flavour can beincreased to a maximum level by reducing the amount of ventilating airwhich dilutes the flavour of the second flavour release component.Accordingly, the amount of flavour provided by the smoking article maybe varied over a wide range to suit the taste of a user.

In some embodiments, a first flavour release component comprises a firstcapsule and a second flavour release component comprises a secondcapsule.

FIG. 6 illustrates schematically a method of manufacturing smokingarticles according to the invention. The method comprises forming afilter section (step S1), in the present example from a known filtrationmaterial, for example, cellulose acetate tow. A variable ventilationarrangement, for instance an arrangement as described herein, isprovided (step S2) which is configured to provide a user controllablelevel of ventilation into the filter section. The variable ventilationarrangement can be provided, for instance, by inner and outer wrappershaving selectably overlapping ventilation areas.

A flavourant source is provided (step S3) to release flavour at alocation downstream of the ventilation arrangement. In some embodiments,the flavourant source is a plurality of botanical particles, asdescribed herein, and these are applied to the filter tow of a filtersection upstream of the filter section into which the variableventilation is applied. In alternative embodiments, other flavoursources as described herein can be used, for instance capsules orflavour loaded threads.

The first and second filter sections may be longitudinally aligned witha source of smokeable material.

Any other known filter components can be added to the smoking articlesdescribed herein. Examples of further filter components include a thirdfilter section, for instance a filter section with particulate material(e.g. carbon, activated charcoal) or an additional hollow section havingan air passage therethrough. The first and/or second filter sections caneach be considered as comprising one or more discrete filter sections.The filter sections can be considered as generally upstream anddownstream of the variable ventilation area.

In a further embodiment, the second filter section, located downstreamof the first filter section, can be arranged such that a resistance togaseous flow through the length of the second filter section is lowerthan a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the first filtersection. The resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the filterarrangement remains substantially constant as the level of ventilationis varied. The first filter section can for instance, differ from thesecond filter section by one or more of: tow weight, number of towfilaments in unit volume, cross-section of tow filaments and degree ofcrimping. The second filter section can, for instance, be a tubularsection having at least one air passage extending longitudinally throughthe length thereof. The second filter section could, for instance,comprise fibrous filtration material formed having an annular crosssection, in particular a tube of fibrous filtration material with theair passage extending along a central longitudinal axis through thelength of the second filter section.

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a smoking article 50 according to afourth embodiment, in this case provided with a separate filter unit 52.

The smoking article 50 comprises a first filter section 12 and a secondfilter section 14. A source of smokable material is in the form of atobacco rod 11, as previously described, which is attached to the firstfilter section 12 using a tipping paper. The second filter section 14is, in the present example, a tubular filter section having a channel14′ extending through its centre and forming a recess at the downstreamend of the smoking article 50. The second filter section 14 is locateddownstream of the first filter section 12 and tobacco rod 11. Aventilation arrangement comprising a ventilation area 39 which can becontrolled by a used, and further ventilation area 33 providing a baselevel of ventilation, are provided, as previously described withreference to the second and third embodiments. The filter unit 52 isarranged to be coupled to the second filter section 14 of the smokingarticle 50 by a user.

The filter unit 52 comprises a surface 52′ configured to at leastpartially face an end surface 14″ of the second filter section 14 whenthe filter unit 52 is coupled to the smoking article 50. The filter unit52 further comprises a sealing member 62 extending over at least part ofthe filter unit surface 52′ and configured to restrict the ingress ofair into the smoking article 50 between the filter unit 52 and smokingarticle 50 when the filter unit 52 is coupled to the second filtersection 14. The sealing member 62 may also be referred to herein as asealing element 62. The sealing member 62 may comprise, but is notlimited to, a gasket and/or one or more adhesive layers. The surface 52′is also referred to herein as a surface portion 52.

The filter unit 52 can be configured to be connected onto the endsurface 14″ of the second filter section 14 using the sealing member 62.For instance, the sealing member 62 can comprise adhesive for connectingthe surface portion 52′ of the filter unit 52 to the end surface 14″ ofthe second filter section 14.

The filter unit 52 comprises a first portion 58, in the presentembodiment having a generally cylindrical shape and an outer diametercorresponding to the outer diameter of the smoking article 50. The firstportion 58 is formed as a tube of filter material, for instanceplasticised cellulose acetate tow, wrapped in a tipping paper 60,although could be formed from other materials and/or wrapped with othermaterials or provided as an unwrapped filter section. The filter unitsurface 52′ is provided on the first portion 58.

The filter unit 52 also comprises a second portion 54 extending from thefirst portion 58 and arranged to be inserted into the recess formed bythe channel 14′ extending through the second filter section 14. Thesecond portion 54 can be inserted into the recess by a user to couplethe filter unit 52 to the smoking article 50. In the present example,the second portion 54 extends away from the filter unit surface 52′ ofthe first portion 58 and has a generally cylindrical shape with asmaller diameter than the first portion 58. The first and secondportions 58, 54 are coaxially arranged. The second portion 54 extendsproud of the sealing member 62 provided on the filter unit surface 52′.The second portion 54 also extends through the first portion 58. Thesecond portion 54 is formed as a cylinder of filter material, in thepresent case plasticised cellulose acetate tow, wrapped in an airimpermeable plug wrap 56. However, alternatively, the second portion 54can be formed from other materials, such as paper, or may be provided asa non-wrapped acetate filter portion.

The channel 14′ of the second filter section 14 is sized to accommodateat least a part of the second portion 54 of the filter unit 52 when thefilter unit 52 is coupled to the smoking article 50.

The sealing element 62 may comprise a body which is air impermeable inat least one direction. For instance, the sealing element 62 may allowsmoke flowing longitudinally through the smoking article 50 to passthrough it, but prevent smoke from passing through the element 62laterally so as to exit between the filter unit 52 and the smokingarticle 50 when these components are connected together.

The sealing element 62 may comprise any suitable thickness, for examplebetween 0.1 mm and 3 mm, between 0.1 mm and 2 mm or between 0.1 mm and 1mm. The sealing element can, for instance, have a thickness of 0.5 mm or1 mm.

The sealing element 62 may comprise any one or more of one or moreadhesive portions and one or more air impermeable bodies. The airimpermeable body can be a closed cell foam such as, but not limited to,closed cell polymeric foams such as polyurethane foam or polystyrenefoam. The air impermeable body comprises a body which is impermeable toair passing through the body in at least one direction.

The filter unit 52 may be attached to the smoking article 52 in anysuitable way. This may include forming an interference fit between theside walls of the recess formed by the second filter section 14 and thelongitudinal outer walls of the second portion 54 of is the filter unit52. Additionally or alternatively the filter unit 52 may be attached tothe smoking article 50 via the sealing element 62. The sealing element62 can be attached to the surface portion 52′ of the first portion 58 byany means including an adhesive forming part of the sealing element 62and/or any other suitable securing means such as being thermally bonded.The sealing element 62 can be attached to the end surface 14″ of thesecond filter section 14 by any means including an adhesive forming partof the sealing element 62 and/or an adhesive located upon the endsurface 14″ of the second filter section 14.

The adhesive material used herein may comprise a natural adhesive(bio-adhesive) and/or a synthetic adhesive. The synthetic adhesive maybe based on any of: an elastomer material; a thermoplastic material; anemulsion and a thermosetting material such as epoxy, polyurethane,cyanoacrylate or acrylic. The adhesive may be any non-reactive adhesivesuch as: a drying adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive, a contactadhesive, a hot adhesive. The adhesive may be a reactive adhesive. Theadhesive may be a permanently tacky adhesive, for instance allowing thesmoking article 50, filter unit 52 and sealing member 62 to be separatedand repositioned.

In alternative examples, the sealing element 62 may not have adhesive ormay be omitted entirely. As an alternative or in addition to the sealingmember 62, the filter unit 52 can be coupled to the end surface 14″ viathe second portion 54 of the filter unit 52 which is received in therecess at the downstream end of the smoking article. The outer surfaceof the second portion 54 and/or the inner surface of the recess 14′ mayinclude protrusions, other surface features, adhesives, or bedimensioned to result in an interference fit, which couples the filterunit 52 onto the end surface 14″ of the second filter section 14.

In use, the smoking article 50 can be provided to users as a separatecomponent to the filter unit 52, wherein the annular sealing element 62is adhered to the surface portion 52′ by an adhesive layer.

The user can select whether or not to attach the filter unit 52 to thesmoking article 50 prior to smoking the smoking article 50, and can inthis way control the length of filter of the smoking article 52 andtherefore the level of filtration of the aerosol generated by thesmoking article 50.

The filter unit 52 further comprises a source of flavourant, in thepresent example a pressure rupturable capsule 64. The capsule can takeany form described herein, and is preferably a hard shelled seamlesssubstantially spherical capsule with a diameter between 3 mm and 6 mm,containing a liquid flavour additive, such as menthol. The source offlavourant in the filter unit can alternatively be provided in any ofthe other forms described herein, such as at least one selected fromplant material, a thread loaded with flavourant, flavourant dispersed infilter tow, flavour impregnated particles and a sheet materialcomprising a flavourant.

In addition to the source of flavourant in the filter unit 52, a furthersource of flavourant can be provided in at least one of the first andsecond filter sections 12, 14, which can be modified to receive thefurther source of flavourant as required. The further flavour source canbe configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosolgenerated by the smoking article 50 at a location in the smoke and/orother aerosol downstream or upstream of the ventilation arrangement 39.The further source of flavourant can be provided as a pressurerupturable capsule. The capsule can take any form described herein, andis preferably a hard shelled seamless substantially spherical capsulewith a diameter between 3 mm and 6 mm, containing a liquid flavouradditive, such as menthol. The further source of flavourant canalternatively be provided in any of the other forms described herein,such as at least one selected from plant material, a thread loaded withflavourant, flavourant dispersed in filter tow, flavour impregnatedparticles and a sheet material comprising a flavourant.

FIG. 7b is a perspective view of an alternative filter unit 70 which canbe used with the smoking article 50 of the fourth embodiment. Thealternative filter unit 70 is, in the present example, sized to fitsubstantially within the recess 14′ at the downstream end of the smokingarticle 50. However, alternatively, the alternative filter unit 70 canbe formed in a similar way to the filter unit 52 described withreference to FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 7b shows an exemplary flavour additive release component 72, alsoreferred to as an additive release component, within the filter unit 70.The flavour additive release component 72 is configured to release aplurality of discrete deliveries of flavour additive. In the presentexample, the flavour additive release component 72 comprises an opencell structure containing an additive which is held within the opencells of said structure (not shown) by an additive-impermeable layer.The flavour additive release component 72 is at least partially elongatein shape and extends longitudinally in a filter plug 74 within thefilter unit 70. The filter plug 74 is formed from cellulose acetate towwhich surrounds the flavour additive release component 72, and iswrapped in a plug wrap 76 which is impermeable to air and/or liquid. Theflavour additive release component 72 has an aperture 72′ through whichthe contents of the component 72, for instance within the open cellstructure, can be released. The aperture 72′ is at a longitudinal end ofthe additive release component 70, and is preferably located on acentral longitudinal axis.

A portion of the additive contents, preferably a fluid flavourant, isejected from additive release component 72 on an initial partialcompression, and further doses of additive may be released on subsequentcompressions. The aperture 72′ may be formed by a frangible area ofweakness, or alternatively, a slit valve for example. For example, theouter wall of the component 72 may be provided with a narrow slit, whichsubstantially prevents additive from exiting when the additive releasecomponent 72 is not compressed. On compression of the additive releasecomponent 72, the additive-impermeable layer is ruptured, opening theinterconnected open cells to the exterior of the open cell structure.The encapsulating structure of the component 72 may partially containthe additive, and allow exit of the additive through the aperture 72′.

The aperture 72′ has been shown at only one end of the flavour additiverelease component 72. Alternatively, the flavour additive releaseaperture 72′ may be at both longitudinal ends of the component 72.Alternatively, the additive release component 72 may define apertures atany two spaced apart locations.

The flavour additive release component 72 is arranged so that under theapplication of force, additive is ejected, squirted or driven forciblyfrom the additive release component. The ejection of additive from theadditive release component 72 means that the additive may be depositedfurther from the component and over a larger area than would otherwisebe possible. For example, the encapsulating structure may comprise aregion configured such that additive is released is ejected or squirtedthrough that (optionally relatively small) region when a force isapplied thereto.

In some embodiments, the encapsulating structure may include one or moreapertures. In some embodiments, these apertures may be closed beforeactuation of the additive release component 72. Alternatively, theencapsulating structure may be configured to rupture or break in apredetermined region only upon actuation, for example by compression. Aregion of the encapsulating structure may have a greater tendency torupture because it has a reduced thickness compared to other parts ofthe encapsulating structure, or because it is formed from an otherwiseweaker or weakened material, and/or as a result of the overall shape ofthe encapsulating structure and/or other parts of the additive releasecomponent.

In some embodiments, the encapsulating structure is configured totransmit force to the open cell structure in such a way that facilitatesthe release of additive from the open cell structure. For example, theencapsulating structure may be configured to spread the compressiveforce applied by the user so that it will be applied over a greater areaof the open cell structure, so that a greater number of the cells aredistorted and/or compressed than would be distorted and/or compresses byapplication of the same amount of force to an additive release componentwhich does not include the encapsulating structure.

The additive release component 72 may comprise one or more open cellstructures. In some embodiments, the additive release component 72comprises a plurality of open cell structures and these may comprise thesame or different additives.

Any encapsulating structure included as part of the additive releasecomponent 72 comprises an encapsulating material and this material maybe the same as or different from the support material forming the bodyof the open cell structure and/or the material of theadditive-impermeable layer.

Thus, in some embodiments, the encapsulating material may comprise oneor more polymers. These polymers may be natural or synthetic, and may becrosslinked. For example, one or more of the polymers may bepolysaccharides, and for example, one or more of these polysaccharidesmay be cellulose, or any suitable derivative thereof, such as celluloseacetate. In some embodiments, both the encapsulating structure and thesupport material are formed from cellulose acetate. Alternatively or inaddition, both the encapsulating structure and the support material maycomprise gelatin.

In some embodiments, polysaccharide polymers are preferred because theyare biocompatible, non-toxic and hypo-allergenic. In addition, they canbe made water insoluble and relatively heat stable at lower temperatures(e.g. below approximately 75° C.) through crosslinking, they can becrosslinked by salt bridges, and they can be heated and burned to yieldtasteless products.

In certain embodiments, the encapsulating structure may be formed fromone or more of the following encapsulating materials: polysaccharides(including, for example, starch, alginate, agar, pectin, carrageenan andgums), proteins (including, for example, gelatine and casein), fats andfatty acids, cellulose derivatives, lipids (including, for example,waxes, shellac, carnuba and beeswax).

In some embodiments, the encapsulating structure may be constructed froma frangible material. In one embodiment the encapsulating structure iscomposed of a low solubility, high molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol. Anumber of suitable alternative materials are known, and by way ofexample, capsules typically utilized in the pharmaceutical industry maybe used. Such capsules may be gelatin-based, for example, or may beformed from a polymeric material, such as modified cellulose. One typeof modified cellulose which may be used is hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. Many biodegradable materials are known which may be suitablefor use in the production of additive release components and theseinclude high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, polylactic acid,plastarch material, polycaprolactone, polyglycolide, apolyhydroxyalkanoate such as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, and zein-derivedbioplastics.

Any suitable method of manufacture may be used to fabricate the opencell structure of the additive release component comprising open cellsdefined by walls of a support material, with at least some of the opencells holding an additive. For example, a person skilled in the artwould have no difficulty in forming a suitable open cell structure bycreating and reticulated form.

Any materials for the additive, additive release component or filtermust be safe to use, and are subject to regulatory approval.

One or more additive release components may be incorporated into thefilter unit 70, or as the flavour source in any of the smoking articles10, 32, 40 described herein. An additive release component may bepositioned at any suitable location in a smoking article and may be, forinstance, provided as the further flavour source described above, inaddition to or instead of being provided as the primary flavour sourcedescribed in the embodiments herein.

In yet further embodiments, the additive release component 72 may bepositioned so that at least part of it is external to the smokingarticle 50. For example, the additive release component may be attachedto an external, radial recess or groove formed in the surface of thesmoking article, for example around a part of the filter section.

Where the additive release component is located within a filter, thefilter material in which the component is held may comprise any suitablefilter material, such as cellulose acetate, polypropylene, paper or anyother suitable material. The filter may comprise a reaction surfaceagainst which the additive release component can be urged, in order tofacilitate actuation of the additive release component and release ofthe additive. In some embodiments, the additive release components maybe located on a periphery of the filter. The radially adjacent filtermaterial may provide a reaction surface against which the additiverelease component can be urged. Preferably, the filter material may berelatively hard (e.g. containing an increased amount of plasticiser) toform the reaction surface, and may have a hardness on the Filtrona scaleof more than 90%. The additive release component may be located withinthe filter material, or may be located in a cavity adjacent to thefilter material. The cavity may be formed by an elongate inner rod offilter material, which one or two annular outer sections of filtermaterial surround. A covering layer forming an exterior of the filter isattached to one or both of the outer sections of filter material, andspaced from the inner rod to define a cavity. Preferably, the inner rodis harder than the annular outer sections, optionally by containing moreplasticiser.

As discussed above, the open cell structure may collapse after beingcompressed to release the additive contained therein. Where the additiverelease component collapses following actuation (for example, becausethe open cell structure is not resiliently deformable, or is notenclosed in an encapsulating structure which reverts substantially toits original size and shape after actuation), actuation will eithercause the section of the smoking article containing the additive releasecomponent to collapse, or the outer shape of the section of the smokingarticle will be retained and a void will be created within the section.The smoking article may be provided with a strengthened outer sectionsurrounding the additive release component to ensure that the smokingarticle retains its shape after actuation of the additive releasecomponent. This strengthened outer section may constitute an annularportion of greater structural rigidity, such as an additionalsurrounding layer or a layer of filter material having increasedhardness (as described above). A void in the smoking article created byactuation of the additive release component may generally correspond tothe difference between the original shape of the additive releasecomponent and its shape after actuation. In embodiments where theadditive release component is embedded in filter material in the filtersection of a smoking article, actuation of a collapsing additive releasecomponent will leave a void around the component. In some embodiments,the filter is designed to allow for this creation of a void and itseffect on the airflow through the filter.

The additive release component may be sized, shaped, or positioned sothat at least a portion of the component is within the smoking article,and a portion is external to the smoking article. In other words, atleast a portion of the external component may not be encompassed by thesmoking article. For example, when the smoking article is a cigarette,at least a portion of the external component may not be encompassed bythe plugwrap, cigarette paper, tipping paper, or any other paper orcovering of the cigarette. In other words, at least a portion of thecomponent may be outside of all of the other components of the smokingarticle both prior to and during use. In particular, the user may beable to see, touch, and feel at least a portion of the componentdirectly. In some embodiments, the component may protrude from thesmoking article filter. The external portion may merely comprise asingle surface. For example, the component may be shaped to fit within acavity in a smoking article filter, one surface of the component beingshaped so that when the component is combined with the filter, theexternal surface of the component is flush with the outer surface of thefilter.

Where at least a portion of the component is external to the smokingarticle, at least this portion of the component will be directlyaccessible to the user. Therefore, the user will be able to readilydetect the release of the additive from the component, for example, bysimply feeling the movement of the component, by observing the releaseof the additive, or by detecting an aroma. Furthermore, in someembodiments, release of the additive from the component may beaccompanied by an audible noise, or a detectable change in the feel ofthe component.

The portion of the component that is at or near the surface of thesmoking article, or is external to the smoking article may be a sectionof the component structure towards which force should preferably beexerted in order to release the additive. For example, in components inwhich the additive is released due to one part of the component beingpushed into another part of the component, the part of the componentthat is pushed may be at or near the surface, or may protrude from thesurface, of the smoking article. The smoking article may include someindication that force should be exerted in this region in order torelease the additive. For example, the component may comprise a surfacehaving pimples or ridges, or other features, that may be detectablethrough any filter material or wrapping layers of the smoking article;alternatively or in addition, the smoking article filter may comprise agraphic or other printed indication on the outer surface.

The size of the additive release component and/or open cell structuremay be dependent on the volume of additive required, which in turn maybe dependent on a number of factors, including the potency of theadditive and the degree of smoke modification desired. Generally, it ispreferable for the volume of the additive release component and/or opencell structure to be as large as possible, so that as much additive aspossible may be provided, to modify the smoke as significantly aspossible.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, air flow through the opencell structure may be possible once the additive-impermeable layer hasbeen ruptured or otherwise opened. In some embodiments, this airflowwill be minimal. In other embodiments, no air flow through the additiverelease component will be possible.

The additive release component and/or open cell structure should not beso large that it has an adverse effect on the filtration or drawcharacteristics of the filter. Furthermore, as the size of the additiverelease component and/or open cell structure is increased, the risk ofaccidental release of additive from the component may also be increased.

In some embodiments, the length of the component is within the range 1mm to 50 mm, and may be from 3 mm to 350 mm, or from 15 mm to 35 mm. Thediameter of the component is preferably within the range 0.1 mm to 6 mm,and more preferably 1 mm to 5 mm. In one particular embodiment, thecomponent is at least 7 mm in length. In some embodiments the componentis elongate in shape, being longer than it is wide.

The additive release component and the open cell structure incorporatedtherein may have essentially any shape. The component and/or open cellstructure may be, for example, spherical, toroidal, hemispherical,conical, trapezoidal, pyramidal, oblate, ellipsoidal, elongate,cylindrical, cubic, or any other suitable shape. The shape of thecomponent and/or open cell structure may only be restricted by thedesired manner of release of the additive.

The size and/or shape of the additive release component and the opencell structure incorporated therein may be substantially identical ormay be different.

If a large amount of additive is required, then more than one additiverelease component may be incorporated into a smoking article. Thecomponents may have the same or different shapes, may be of the same orof different sizes, and may comprise the same, similar or differentadditives.

In the embodiments described herein, wrapping material is applied to thesmoking article assembly to attach the component parts. The paperwrapping material is typically tipping paper, which is substantiallyimpermeable prior to the inclusion of apertures as described herein. Inaddition, a sleeve is wrapped around the smoking article. The sleeve isconfigured to move relative to the first filter section and, optionally,is securely attached to the second filter section.

The smoking article is configured to allow the ingress of a selectivelyvariable amount of air upstream of the second filter section. Forexample, ventilation apertures are formed in the outermost layer ofpaper wrap and/or the paper sleeve. The ventilation apertures are formedby a mechanical cutting tool or a laser. The ventilation apertures areformed in the wrapping material prior to the assembly of the smokingarticle (i.e. pre-perforated apertures) or, optionally, when the smokingarticle is assembled.

The ventilation has been described as entering the smoking articleupstream of the second filter section, and in particular, into the firstfilter section. Alternatively, the ventilation can be at least partiallyinto the second filter section, e.g. adjacent an upstream end of thesecond filter section.

The smoking article can comprise one or more ventilation areas providinga base level of ventilation. Such ventilation areas are not variable insize.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety ofthis disclosure illustrates by way of illustration various embodimentsin which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for asuperior smoking article. The advantages and features of the disclosureare of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are notexhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist inunderstanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understoodthat advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures,and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be consideredlimitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations onequivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilisedand modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/orspirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise,consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of thedisclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. Inaddition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presentlyclaimed, but which may be claimed in future.

1. A smoking article comprising: a filter section comprising filtrationmaterial arranged to filter smoke and/or other aerosol generated by saidsmoking article; a variable ventilation arrangement configured toprovide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filtersection; and a flavour source configured to release flavour to saidsmoke and/or other aerosol passing through the filtration material ofthe filter section at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosoldownstream of said ventilation arrangement.
 2. A smoking articleaccording to claim 1, wherein said flavour source is configured toselectively release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol.
 3. Asmoking article according to claim 1, wherein said flavour sourcecomprises one or more capsules.
 4. A smoking article according to claim3, wherein said one or more capsules each have a diameter of from 2 mmto 6 mm.
 5. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said flavoursource comprises at least one selected from plant material, a threadloaded with flavourant, flavourant dispersed in filter tow, flavourimpregnated particles and a sheet material comprising a flavourant.
 6. Asmoking article according to claim 1, wherein the flavour source islocated within said filter section.
 7. A smoking article according toclaim 1, further comprising a further ventilation arrangement configuredto provide a level of ventilation into the filter section which is notuser controllable.
 8. A smoking article according to claim 7, whereinthe level of ventilation provided by said further variable ventilationarrangement is within the range of from 5% to 50% of the volume of smokeand/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article passing throughthe filter section when said variable ventilation is at its minimumlevel.
 9. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said variableventilation arrangement provides ventilation which is user controllablewithin a sub-range within the range of from 0% to 90% of the volume ofsmoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article passingthrough the filter section.
 10. A smoking article according to claim 1,wherein said filter section forms at least a component of a first partof the smoking article and further comprising a second part movablerelative to the first part in order to control the level of ventilationprovided by the variable ventilation arrangement.
 11. A smoking articleaccording to claim 10, wherein said first or second part comprises asleeve configured to move relative to the other of the first or secondpart to control the level of ventilation provided by the variableventilation arrangement.
 12. A smoking article according to claim 11,wherein the sleeve is rotatable with respect to the filter section, andthe level of ventilation is varied by altering an angular position ofthe sleeve relative to the filter section.
 13. A smoking articleaccording to claim 1, wherein the filter section comprises a firstfilter section having a length of 5 to 25 mm, the smoking articlefurther comprising a second filter section having a length of 5 to 25mm, and the variable ventilation arrangement provides ventilating air ata position between 6 and 20 mm from a mouth end of the smoking article.14. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the filter sectioncomprises a first filter section and the smoking article furthercomprises a second filter section, the first and second filter sectionsforming a filter arrangement, and the second filter section beinglocated downstream of the first filter section; and wherein a resistanceto gaseous flow through the length of the second filter section is lowerthan a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the first filtersection; and the resistance to gaseous flow through the length of thefilter arrangement remains substantially constant as the level ofventilation is varied.
 15. A smoking article according to claim 14,wherein the first and second filter sections comprise tow filaments, andthe first filter section differs from the second filter section by oneor more of: tow weight, number of tow filaments in unit volume,cross-section of tow filaments and degree of crimping.
 16. A smokingarticle according to claim 14, wherein the second filter sectioncomprises at least one air passage extending longitudinally through thelength thereof
 17. A smoking article according to claim 16, wherein thesecond filter section comprises fibrous filtration material formedhaving an annular cross section.
 18. A smoking article according toclaim 17, wherein the second filter section comprises a tube of fibrousfiltration material and the air passage extends along a centrallongitudinal axis through the length of the second filter section.
 19. Asmoking article according to claim 1, wherein the flavour sourcecomprises a flavour additive release component configured to release aplurality of discrete deliveries of flavour additive.
 20. A smokingarticle according to claim 19, wherein the flavour additive releasecomponent comprises an open cell structure which comprises the flavouradditive and is at least partially surrounded by an additive-impermeablelayer.
 21. A smoking article according to claim 20, further comprisingan encapsulating structure which at least partially surrounds the opencell structure and additive-impermeable layer.
 22. A smoking articleaccording to claim 1, wherein said flavour source is provided in afilter unit which is provided separately from the smoking article and isattachable to the smoking article by a user.
 23. A smoking articleaccording to claim 22, further comprising a sealing member configured torestrict the ingress of air into the smoking article between the filterunit and the smoking article.
 24. A smoking article according to claim22, wherein the smoking article comprises a recess and at least part ofthe filter unit is arranged to be received in the recess when the filterunit is attached to the smoking article.
 25. A smoking article accordingto claim 24, wherein the recess is formed by a tubular filter elementprovided at the downstream end of the smoking article.
 26. A smokingarticle according to claim 1, wherein the filter section comprises afurther flavour source configured to release flavour to said smokeand/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a location insaid smoke and/or other aerosol downstream or upstream of saidventilation arrangement.
 27. A smoking article according to claim 26,wherein the further flavour source comprises one or more capsules.
 28. Afilter section for a smoking article comprising filtration materialarranged to filter smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smokingarticle, the filter section comprising: a variable ventilationarrangement configured to provide a user controllable level ofventilation into the filter section; and a flavour source configured torelease flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol passing through thefiltration material of the filter section at a location in said smokeand/or other aerosol downstream of said ventilation arrangement.
 29. Afilter section according to claim 28, wherein the flavour sourcecomprises a flavour additive release component configured to release aplurality of discrete deliveries of flavour additive.
 30. A smokingarticle according to claim 28, wherein said flavour source is providedin a filter unit which is provided separately from remaining componentsof the filter section and is attachable to the filter section by a user.31. A method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising:forming a filter section comprising filtration material arranged tofilter smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article;providing a variable ventilation arrangement configured to provide auser controllable level of ventilation into the filter section; andproviding a flavour source configured to release flavour to said smokeand/or other aerosol passing through the filtration material of thefilter section at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosoldownstream of said ventilation arrangement.